3 Simple Reading Tips (Even If You Don't Like Reading)

In today’s newsletter, I’ll discuss a reading strategy anyone can use to improve in 2024 — even if you’re not a “reader.”

You don’t have to binge-read the library to reap the rewards or stress to keep up with the latest business books to improve your career.

There’s plenty to gain from books with a small sustainable habit.

But in our screen-driven world, constantly bombarded with emails, notifications, and our addiction to social media…this dose of true wisdom is compromised on a daily basis.

So by the time, we sit down and crack open that book, we are exhausted. 

Add to it:

• What do we read?

• Modern business books are boring & repetitive

• That book your boss recommended is out of date

• Do I really want to spend time reading over Netflix?

The good news is you don’t have to read 50 books a year (or cancel Netflix) to benefit from reading!

Here’s a simple 3 step process to help you read more in 2024 even if you aren’t a reader: 

Read what you like reading.

If that business book everyone recommends bores you to death, don’t read it. Not all books are for you.

I’ve learned more in the pages of biographies on great coaches or novels with a compelling lead character. Just because you are seeking self-improvement in your reading, doesn’t require you to go to the self-improvement section of the bookstore.

Read about a business icon or leader from history that you admire.

Find a novel that will keep you engaged.

Pick up a book on a subject you find fascinating. 

But whatever you do, don’t read the books you think you’re supposed to read.

Read short wisdom-packed books.

Wisdom doesn’t require a word count.

Some of the best notes I’ve taken in books have come from less than 200-page gems that punch well above their weight.

Insightful, soaked in wisdom, and worth marinating over every page.

If 500-page books intimate you, try any of these:

• Art of Living by Epictetus

• Meditations by Marcus Aurelius

• Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom

(If you want more book recommendations, join my newsletter.)

Read 10 minutes a day.

Finding growth by reading doesn’t require you to become a bookworm. 

Taking 10 thoughtful and focused minutes daily to read something impactful doesn’t require much sacrifice.

It probably means 10 minutes less of social media or Netflix or mindless scrolling. And it won’t feel like much.

But what an investment worth making for your life, your career, your relationships?

You don’t have to turn over the library to do this. 

Worst case scenario: you spend fewer minutes on your phone. And I think it’s safe to say we could all use a little more of that.

Have a great week!

— Chase